Compound Monograph
Noradrenaline
Noradrenaline is a catecholamine that functions as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone in the human "fight-or-flight" response.
Classification
Noradrenaline is a catecholamine, part of the alkaloids class. Nitrogen-containing, often bitter and physiologically potent compounds — the group behind many of the strongest plant medicines and poisons.
Where Does It Come From? (3)
Noradrenaline is a naturally occurring (and made in the body) catecholamine, found in Velvet bean, Endogenous in humans and animals and 1 other source. It is flagged as moderately toxic.
Research & Evidence
Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) is a catecholamine produced in the body from dopamine. It acts both as a neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system and brain and as a hormone released from the adrenal glands. By stimulating adrenergic receptors it increases heart rate, blood pressure and alertness, and it plays a central role in the body’s arousal and stress responses. It is also used clinically as a vasopressor in critical care. Although primarily an endogenous compound, traces occur in some plants, such as velvet bean.
Toxicity & Safety
Noradrenaline is a potent, tightly regulated signalling molecule rather than a casual supplement. As a medicine it is given only intravenously under close monitoring, because excessive adrenergic stimulation can cause dangerous rises in blood pressure and heart rhythm disturbances. It is not orally active in any meaningful recreational sense.